4 minute read
Nelson Must Do's
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Every Saturday, head for the wonderful Nelson Market (8am- 1pm). Come Wednesday, shop at Nelson's Farmers’ Market (8.30am-1.30pm).
The Suter Art Gallery
Mixing works of famous Kiwi masters with the relatively unknown, admire a diverse range of art here. The food in the garden café is as exquisite, too.
Pic’s Peanut Butter
You’ve spread it on your toast, now tour the factory. With ample samples and a chance to make your own, the 40-minute tour is free, fun and features the world’s largest jar of peanut butter.
Nelson Classic Car Museum
A standout attraction with more than 150 mint condition vehicles. Afterward, grab a bite at the revamped café, the Little Engine eatery.
Harrys Nelson Restaurant & Bar © www.nelsontasman.nz
Nelson Provincial Museum
Three distinct areas cover a myriad of subjects, from Māori history to international topics of interest and the evolution of Nelson itself. Interactive exhibits ensure the kids are just as enthralled as the adults.
Tunnel to Town Ride
Ride through Spooner’s, the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. With two to choose from, one with a Māpua extension, you’ll take in amazing scenery on this cycling day trip.
Broadgreen Historic House
Nelson’s oldest residence features well displayed rooms that bring the late 1800s and early 1900s to life.
Queen’s Gardens
With its giant horseshoe-shaped pond, beautiful roses, sculptures and heritage trees, this is a tranquil spot inspired by a traditional Victorian garden.
Queens Gardens, Nelson © Daniel Allen / Light Nelson
Founders Heritage Park
Visit a replica colonial village, complete with windmills and red telephone boxes. Climb inside vintage fire engines, pop into traditional shops selling artisan products and jump aboard the heritage train for a ride.
Tāhunanui Beach
Tāhunanui is Nelson’s jostling beach suburb just five minutes from the centre. With soft white sand, playgrounds, skating rink, pétanque, mini-golf, art and more, it’s all-day fun.
Paddleboard Yoga
Head to Tāhunanui Beach Sunday mornings for an hour of yoga on the water. All stand-up paddleboards are provided.
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
This is the largest fenced reserve for endangered wildlife in the South Island. The have launched a new glowworm and after-dark forest tour for winter months.
Upper Trafalgar Street
Fully pedestrianised and blossoming with alfresco eateries and European vibes, this is Nelson City’s main street and has all the joviality you’d expect from the city’s premier hangout.
Natureland
Global conservation starts right here in Nelson. Say hello to all sorts of characters, from meerkats and porcupines to lemur and iguana, as well as birds native to the region.
Te Pokohiwi Boulder Bank
Over tens of thousands of years, debris from the Mackay Bluffs settled to form a natural, 13km spit of boulders. Embark on an 8km walk, negotiating the rock-strewn bank to an iconic lighthouse, where you’re greeted by 360-degree views of Nelson city and beyond.
Nelson City Centre ArtWalk
Better described as an outdoor art gallery, showcasing local art from the Suter Collection. Visit makeshiftspaces. nz/artwalk-map/ for a detailed map.
Historic South Street
This is New Zealand’s oldest fully preserved street. Meander along the cobblestone paths admiring handsome Victorian buildings.
The Coppermine Trail
Experience one of Aotearoa’s most accessible alpine mountain bike trails, looping from just behind the city’s borders and covering 43km of uphill climbs, alpine forest and stellar views. Allow a full day.
Christ Church Cathedral
One of the country’s most visited cathedrals, admire the stained glass windows and impressive organ pipes.
